INEC announced that the presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections have been scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2027.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Haruna, said the commission approved the revised timetable following changes in the electoral law.

The commission had earlier fixed February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections and March 6, 2027, for the governorship and state assembly polls under the Electoral Act, 2022.

However, INEC explained that the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, necessitated a review of the schedule.

“Following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced adjustments to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities, the commission has reviewed and realigned the schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework,” the statement read.

Key Timelines Announced

INEC outlined major milestones in the revised timetable:

Party primaries, including dispute resolution, will commence on April 23, 2026, and end on May 30, 2026.

Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026.

Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026.

The commission reminded political parties that campaigns must end 24 hours before election day and warned that compliance would be strictly enforced.

“As provided by law, campaigns shall end 24 hours before Election Day. Political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines.

The commission will enforce compliance with the law,” INEC stated.

Osun Governorship Poll Adjusted

INEC also announced a slight adjustment to the Osun State governorship election, moving it from August 8, 2026, to August 15, 2026.

The commission noted that while some activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been conducted, the remaining processes would strictly align with the Electoral Act, 2026.

INEC emphasised that the revised dates are consistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026, adding that the successful conduct of the elections remains a collective responsibility.

The commission called on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.